On this Mother's Day we are increasingly aware of the drums of war in the world beating louder everyday. In this milieu we do well to re-listen to the founder of Mother’s Day, Julia Ward Howe, where she invites in 1870, the women of the world to unite for peace in the world.

This week Marg Ortiz leads us in meditation using a mantra. We are encouraged to use mantras as a way to focus the mind and deepen connection with the divine, emphasizing the importance of being present and letting go of habitual thoughts and emotions.

The divine presence that Jesus spoke of is available to us all the time. This is the good news of Easter. This weekend we will be listening to a homily by Franciscan priest Richard Rohr where he explores the concept of the resurrection as not a One-Time Miracle.

The message of Easter is something we desperately need in today’s increasingly chaotic world. It is the message of being embraced by a loving presence that will never leave. It is the promise of Jesus in his final words to his disciples in Matthew’s gospel: ‘And know that I AM with you always.

The message of Easter is something we desperately need in today’s increasingly chaotic world. It is the message of being embraced by a loving presence that will never leave. It is the promise of Jesus in his final words to his disciples in Matthew’s gospel: ‘And know that I AM with you always.’

The story of the Lord’s Supper illustrates how Jesus empowered the disciples to take over the ministry. He inspired them to challenge structural and institutional control and take responsibility for creating a better world. We can learn much from this about listening and giving voice and self determination to our own indigenous people.

Palm Sunday invites us to take a side in our peace making. Not a peace imposed from above with superior weapons and force, but a peace fostered through connecting and relationship building. A peace modelled in Jesus who entered Jerusalem disarmed and on a donkey, as opposed to the Roman overlords entering at the same time with displays of might and power.

In our busy lives we often forget to pause to savour the moment; to be still and experience gratitude. A moment of being quiet can be difficult. The times we do this can be real moments of Joy. As we prepare for Easter this year, may we find times to pause and savour life.

Prayer and Work – The Benedictine Rule. As we continue our Lenten focus on issues highlighted in Soul Murmurings by Andrew Kennelly, Liz will explore the interwovenness between our spirituality and our work – both paid and non-paid.